Plant & Soil Graduate Degree Programs

About the Graduate Degree Programs
Departmental Degree Requirements
UMass Degree Requirements | Admission Requirements
Financial Aid | How to Apply | For More Info
Application Checklist

Thank you for your interest in the Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences Plant and Soil Sciences Division and our Graduate Degree Program.

The application deadline for the Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program is JANUARY 2ND. Although late applications are occasionally accepted, applications received by January 2nd will be eligible for a broader range of funding opportunities. Departmental funding is not available for students who begin in Spring semesters. Applicants are discouraged from applying to begin in the Spring semester unless an advisor has been identified who can provide full funding, or if the student is willing to enroll without funding. Please contact the Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program Director if you have questions about this process.

About the Graduate Degree Programs

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, and both thesis and non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degrees, are offered in the Plant & Soil Sciences Division. A non-thesis, Off-Campus M.S. graduate program in Soil Science is also available. For degrees requiring a thesis, a wide range of graduate research projects can be developed, each guided by a faculty member with research experience in the chosen area of study. Students may concentrate in the study of plants, soils, or the environment. Prospective students are encouraged to view faculty research profiles and begin a dialogue with prospective major professors before applying. All acceptances into the Division's Graduate program are contingent upon acceptance by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Graduate School and upon a faculty member's willingness and availability to work with the student.

M.S. students (thesis option) are required to take 30 credits of which nine may be thesis research credits. The M.S. non-thesis option is considered to be a terminal degree program and requires additional course work. For Ph.D. students, a personalized curriculum will be designed by the student and his/her Guidance Committee, with a small number of courses required by the Division. All Ph.D. students must pass both written and oral Comprehensive Exams. More information about the Department's course and degree requirements, and our Graduate Student Handbook can be found on the Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences Graduate Student Page. In addition, consult the Graduate School website for general University Graduate Degree Requirements.

The Division recognizes that formal learning situations are important, but feels formal learning must be complemented by scientific maturation through initiative, individual study and thought, interaction with other students and faculty, and sharpening of inter-personal and professional skills. The Division encourages these activities by offering flexible programs that provide opportunities for originality and creativity.

Requirements for Admission

Applicants to graduate school should be prepared at the undergraduate level by having taken basic science courses, including botany, chemistry, mathematics, and relevant courses in soils, horticulture, agronomy, environmental science, or other areas within plant or soil sciences. Students wishing to transfer to studies in plant or soil sciences from other fields are encouraged to apply, but may be required to take some undergraduate courses in the plant and soil area to establish a background for advanced studies. Remedial English courses are offered for foreign students having difficulty with the language. Students must also meet all of the UMass Graduate School's admission requirements.

Financial Aid

A limited number of Teaching and Research Assistantships are offered with stipends to assist the student during their education and training. Such stipends are offered following acceptance on a competitive basis and in accordance with Departmental needs. Students are encouraged to seek support from several sources. Both the teaching and research assistantships carry a waiver of tuition for the student.

How to Apply

Applications to the Graduate School can be obtained from the Graduate School, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 U.S.A. Applications to the Graduate School can be obtained from the Graduate School, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 U.S.A., or downloaded or submitted online via the Graduate School Website. The University requires submission of GRE scores and letters of recommendation along with a completed application form for admission. Applications should be sent directly to the Graduate School, not to our Division. Graduate applications that specify interest in our Division will then be forwarded to us by the Graduate School. These applications will then be reviewed by a Plant and Soil Sciences faculty committee to judge whether the qualifications of the student are acceptable to the Division. The Division will then recommend acceptance or non-acceptance, but only the Graduate School can accept a student. The Graduate School application fee must be paid before an application can be reviewed.
PLEASE NOTE: The application deadline for the Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program is JANUARY 2ND. Although late applications are occasionally accepted, applications received by January 2 will be eligible for a broader range of funding opportunities. Departmental funding is not available for students who begin in Spring semesters. Applicants are discouraged from applying to begin in the Spring semester unless an advisor has been identified who can provide full funding, or if the student is willing to enroll without funding. Please contact the Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program Director if you have questions about this process.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Geunhwa Jung
Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program Director
Department of Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences
French Hall Room 206
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
Tel. (413) 545-2243
FAX (413) 545-3075
jung@psis.umass.edu

Application Checklist

1. FIND A FACULTY MEMBER
Find a faculty member who is interested in taking you on as his or her student. Students generally will not be accepted into the graduate program unless they have a faculty advisor prior to arriving on campus.

2. CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE AT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
Apply online or call for an application - (413) 545-0721 or -0722. The application deadline for the Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program is JANUARY 2ND. Although late applications are occasionally accepted, applications received by January 2nd will be eligible for a broader range of funding opportunities.

3. TAKE THE GRE
Arrange to take the Graduate Record Exam. If English is a second language, also arrange to take the TOEFL (exceptions exist, refer to the application packet from the Graduate School). Ask to have the scores sent to UMass (our code is 3917).

4. SEND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Arrange to have at least two letters of recommendation sent to the Graduate School (there are forms in the Graduate Application).

5. SEND TRANSCRIPTS
Have two official transcripts sent to the Graduate School from any undergraduate and graduate institutions that you have attended.

Hope to see you on board!!!

Of Interest to Our Graduate Students